These Were The Biggest Health Fads Of 2017

Fads come and fads go — and many are too frivolous to stand the test of time, especially when it comes to diet and workout trends. But the biggest health fads of 2017 are (mostly) rooted in evidence-based research that proves they are pretty darn effective at helping you lose weight and feel amazing.

These 5 heatlh fads inspired us in 2017 — and there's a solid chance they'll stick around next year and for years to come. 

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A ketogenic diet consists of foods that are high in protein and healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. When your body substitutes protein for carbs, it is forced into a metabolic state called ketosis. Instead of using glucose for energy, your energy comes from ketone bodies in the blood — and this actually helps you burn stored fat. 

Examples of keto-approved meals include salmon, veggies, eggs, and even high-fat cheese. 

In 2017, more and more health-conscious folks paid good money to strip their clothes off and hang out inside of a chamber consisting of sub-zero temperatures. The wellness practice is called cryotherapy and, though additional research is still required, the benefits of standing half-naked in controlled frozen temps may include relief from muscle pain, tissue swelling, and injuries and treatment of skin conditions like moles, tags, and solar kerotoses 

There was a time, not long ago, when foods that contain fat were considered the biggest culprits when it came to weight gain. But new research has proven that sugar — not fat — is responsible for spiking our blood sugar levels and stalling the body's ability to burn stored fat. Sugar (and high fructose corn syrup and sucrose) are also linked to greater risks of cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. It's no surprise that more people expressed interest in diet plans like Whole 30, which stresses the important of eating whole foods that do not contain added sugars. 

They've been around for a few years, but 2017 was the year when acai bowls hit mainstream America. Acai, a Brazilian palm fruit, is used as the basis of this bowl, which also contains pureed vegetables like kale or spinach, fruit, milk or yogurt, and toppings like nuts or seeds. Although they can be high in calories and sugar content, when eaten in moderation, acai bowls provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals. 

Spin and yoga classes continued to operate at full capacity in 2017, but one fitness fad stood out for its effectiveness: high intensity interval training (or HIIT). A HIIT class keeps you moving and sweating as you move from one cardio move to another strength training exercise. With your heart rate up at all times, your body burns more fat and it becomes easier to build muscle definition. A true HIIT class involves short burst of intense cardio — anywhere from 20 to 90 seconds — followed by even shorter bursts of rest. Repeat. Look and feel incredible.